With the new Premiership season just round the corner, many clubs will be fine tuning their teams with aspirations of winning the title, reaching European football, or maybe even just to survive the relegation drop.




Title Winner

Manchester United

Manchester United will be looking to retain the title. They started last season poorly and will be keen to stamp their authority quickly on this campaign from the first game. They haven't spent on any big names, although if speculation is to be believed a top striker, such as Dimitar Berbatov could be on their way to Old Trafford. The Cristiano Ronaldo saga was top news for most the summer, with Real Madrid keen to sign the majestic forward player, and the Portuguese star apparently keen to test his skills at the Bernabau stadium. However he is still a Manchester United player and looks to be staying. He banged in 42 goals last season which is a phenomenal return, and this could be crucial in Manchester United regaining their title.

Chelsea

Chelsea will be hoping to go one step further in the Premier League and Champions League this season after finishing second in both competitions last season. Avram Grant was unlucky to be dismissed but Roman Abromavich knows what he wants; and that is titles. Big Phil Scolari has been brought in and the additions of Deco and wing back Jose Boswinga, whom he will know well from his successful stint as Portugal manager, will improve their squad. HoweverI have concerns over the team. They have bags of experience in Ballack, Carvalho, and Lampard, but Chelsea have ageing players so can they sustain their form throughout a whole campaign? I'm not convinced. They don't have the younger hungry players such as Ronaldo, Fabregas and Torres. Instead they have the Shevchenkos and Ballacks, who have won titles throughout their career and will be happy picking up their 100k+ a week as they come to the end of their playing days.

Arsenal

Arsenal were in pole position for the title with a couple of months remaining before a mix of injuries and bad form derailed their ambitions. It hasn't been the best of summers for the Gunners though, losing Flamini and Hleb who were both major players for them last year. Flamini will be a massive blow and it will be interesting to see who replaces him. Will Arsenal go for Diaby or new signingBischoffto partner the superb Fabregas. I'm not sure either is ready, but who can doubt Arsene Wenger. He constantly produces sides capable of playing scintillating football, while spending significantly less than his rivals. However while their style will sell tickets, will it win titles? I think Arsenal's chances also hinge on the fitness of Robin Van Persie and how well Eduardo returns from his sickening broken leg. Striker Bendtner is nowhere near good enough for a club of Arsenals stature, so Arsenal will be hoping they can keep their key players fit.

Liverpool

Every season Liverpool seems to disappoint and finish way off the title. I'm not sure it will be much different this season. They have brought in Robbie Keane, but for 20 million I think they could have got a better player. Also, they are still after Gareth Barry but once again I'm not sure he will improve the team greatly. I think Liverpool 's problem in recent seasons has been their lack of real quality wingers. You can't question the ability of Gerrard in midfield and the prolific Torres up front but what other creative players have they got? Benitez likes to rotate his team but bringing in the likes of Pennant, Voronin and Lucas will not bring the title back to Merseyside. Once again I think Liverpool will be out of contention for the league and may struggle to make the top three again.

Tottenham appear to be the best of the rest. After a frantic summer spending spree, Modric, Bentley, Dos Santos and a few others have been brought in and still they are linked with the like of Arshavin. It is difficult to tell how the new players will gel together, but if they do I would expect the ‘Top 4' teams that have broken away in recent years to become a ‘Top 5'.

Looking at these teams, I really am anticipating a very close season. I don't think there is much to choose between the teams. Maybe Man Utd will be the team to beat again, as I still think they are marginally the strongest. I think Arsenal and Chelsea will be the closest challengers, with Liverpool and Spurs just behind. The bookmakers have Chelsea in as favourites which I don't agree with. I'd say Man Utd are ahead in terms of quality and maybe even Arsenal too. I would have to lay Chelsea @ 2.78 on Betfair, and back Arsenal @ 6.2 also on Betfair, both with a view to trade. Arsenals first few games aren't too difficult so if they get off to a good start it should be easy enough to make a nice early trade. Spurs @ 5.5 on Betfair to make the Top 4 is worth a punt in my opinion. Liverpool are 1.3 to make the Top 4. Is there really that much difference in quality?! Definitely not! I would also suggest a small lay of Liverpool Top 4 at 1.3 on Betfair. Tottenham can definitely finish ahead and as other teams like Everton and Aston Villa have improved in the last couple of seasons you never know. At 1.3 a lay isn't a massive liability and I would expect it to trade higher.